Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a test used to identify hearing thresholds in patients who cannot respond to traditional testing methods, such as newborns, toddlers, or children with developmental or cognitive impairments like autism. If your child needs an ABR test, you’ll receive specific instructions for bringing them to the clinic. The test is often performed while your child is held in your arms, and they must be sleeping soundly during the exam.
If your child requires special intervention, they may need to be placed under general anesthesia, with supervision from physicians and operating room staff. Once under anesthesia, the audiologist will prepare for the test and proceed with the procedure.
This test may be required if your child:
- Needs ear tubes but traditional testing hasn’t provided clear results
- Has speech or developmental delays that prevent participation in a regular hearing test
